Angelina’s got it. So do Obama, Meryl, and Keanu

There are a lot of famous introverts out there. Amongst the introverted elite are actors, musicians, politicians and reporters.

Many people are surprised to discover that there is a whole slew of famous introverts who are both attractive and charismatic. Not only that …

These celebrity introverts have a magnetism that transcends conventional definitions of what is attractive. Sure, they are beautiful. Intelligent, too. And of course, they are talented. But there is something else that draws us in.

The French would say they have a kind of “je ne sais quoi”. In Hollywood, simply saying they have “it” conveys their mysterious appeal. I like to refer to it as …

The introverted “it” factor

The introverted “it” factor is embodied by some of the most famous and powerful people in the world. While each introvert celebrity is fascinating for different reasons, their appeal can be directly linked to their introversion.

President Obama the introvert

It’s difficult to believe that President Obama is an introvert. I had a hard time believing it myself, until I read the below quote by political journalist John Heilemann:

“I’ve known the guy since 1988. He’s not someone who has a wide circle of friends. He’s not a backslapper and he’s not an arm-twister. He’s a more or less solitary figure who has extraordinary communicative capacities.”

Contrary to popular belief, introverts can be exceptional communicators, especially when it comes to public speaking. Obama’s solitary nature allows him to practice and prepare, while his speaking skills allow him to shine. He embodies a grounded charisma that wins admiration and trust.

Obama’s introverted “it” factor is made up of a dynamic cocktail of contrasting qualities. He’s not the only famous introvert who stirs intrigue through contrast.

Angelina Jolie is an introvert, too

“I don’t have a lot of friends. I’ve been alone a lot.” – Angelina Jolie

She has an ethereal face and a devilish smile. She is a sex symbol with six kids and a heart for humanity. Her beauty is formed and enhanced by a strange combination of shadows and light.

What could be more fascinating?

At the core of her contrasting qualities is her introverted nature. Like many sensitive introverts, Jolie feels thing deeply. She is fluent in the language of art and emotion.

While Jolie appears cold and aloof in public, but is quite the opposite in her private life. She explained in an interview:

“First and foremost comes my family and my life with Brad. We have so much joy in raising our children and teaching them about the world that nothing really compares to that.”

Meryl Streep. Introvert.

“She looks like she swallowed a lightbulb.” – Mike Nichols on Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s introverted “it” factor is expressed in many ways. She has an innate curiosity that is apparent in both her acting, and the luminosity of her face. Her inner spark shines through before she says a word.

Like Jolie, and many other famous introverted actors, she is a ‘feeling’ introvert with an intense interest in the realm of emotion. “I want to feel my life while I’m in it,” Streep once said, and it’s obvious that she lives by those words.

Keanu Reeves is the ultimate introvert

There is no question that Keanu Reeves is an introvert. In fact, an article by Time described him as “Hollywood’s ultimate introvert”. What is intriguing about Reeves is how his introversion sets him apart from most other A-listers.

Keanu Reeves is fiercely private and strangely humble for a celebrity. He shuns the limelight and luxury most Hollywood heavyweights relish in favor of a simple solitary lifestyle.

What really draws us in is the mystery behind his stoic exterior. It is obvious that there is so much more to Keanu Reeves than what we see.

“Do I really know Keanu after working with him? No. I know things about him: he’s hardworking, he’s generous, he’s a sweet, sweet guy. But it’s all just sort of on the surface,” said Francis Lawrence, who directed Constantine.

What’s your introverted “it” factor?

It’s not just famous introverts who have the “it” factor. The everyday introvert can be quietly compelling, too. When you fully embrace your introversion, and all the gifts that come with it, you become intriguing to those around you.

2 Comments

My introverted ‘it’ factor is that I’m mysterious. Got a lot of sides to me some of these sides are only revealed *if* and when.
Interesting comments about Jolie – I had never before considered that her private personality may be this this way. 🙂